Patriots Running Back Makes Strong Roster Statement Against Eagles

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Lan Larison entered Saturday night as one of several New England Patriots running backs fighting for attention. He left Gillette Stadium with the strongest performance of the group.

Larison produced 74 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown during New England’s 24-21 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The second-year back added 54 yards on kickoff returns, giving him 128 all-purpose yards during an important roster audition.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel highlighted Larison while speaking during the team’s postgame press conferences.

“I felt like Lan certainly had a good performance, a gritty, tough performance tonight,” Vrabel told reporters.

That description captured exactly what Larison needed to show.

Lan Larison Refuses To Go Down Quietly

Larison carried nine times for 33 yards and caught three passes for 41 yards. His most impressive reception came on a 28-yard catch-and-run during which he broke multiple tackles near the sideline. Larison also converted a fourth-and-1 after initially being contacted behind the line of scrimmage.

Those plays mattered more than his modest rushing average.

Vrabel wants running backs who can create yards after contact, contribute in the passing game and survive difficult situations. Larison checked each box against Philadelphia.

“He gets hit behind the line of scrimmage and finds a way to get the first down,” Vrabel said. “He was able to break a couple tackles there on third down when we needed it at the end of the game.”

Larison added a two-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving New England a 17-14 lead.

Patriots Running Back Competition Gets Interesting

Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson appear secure at the top of New England’s backfield. The competition behind them is much less certain.

Larison is battling Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins, JaMycal Hasty and others for what could be only one or two roster spots. Reggie Gilliam’s ability to play fullback and contribute on special teams also factors into the equation. Miller supplied one of Saturday’s offensive highlights with a 20-yard run. Haskins contributed as a runner and receiver. Larison, however, produced the most complete performance.

His versatility is not surprising.

Larison finished his college career at UC Davis with 3,634 rushing yards, 1,626 receiving yards and 51 offensive touchdowns. He set school records for single-season and career all-purpose yardage.

The Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025, but a broken foot during the preseason ended his rookie year before it could begin. Saturday finally gave Larison the extended NFL opportunity he had been waiting for.

MORE: Mike Vrabel Puts Patriots Reserves On Notice After Eagles Win

One Weakness Could Decide Roster Fate

Larison’s night was not flawless. Pass protection remains one of the most important responsibilities for any reserve running back. According to Pro Football Focus, Larison surrendered two quarterback pressures over five pass-blocking opportunities against Philadelphia.

That is an area he must clean up. A backup running back can produce explosive plays and still lose the coaching staff’s trust if he cannot protect Drake Maye. Larison will have another opportunity to show improvement during Thursday’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Still, his performance against the Eagles significantly strengthened his case. Larison ran through contact, caught the ball, returned kicks and scored a touchdown. More importantly, he earned public praise from a head coach who has not been handing out compliments freely.

One preseason game does not guarantee a roster spot. For Larison, it might have changed the entire competition.

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